Hundreds of thousands rally in London for ‘lasting peace’ in Gaza

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of central London, calling for “lasting peace” and justice for Palestine, after a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas resistance movement took effect.

The rally, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), began at Victoria Embankment on Saturday, where protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried placards reading “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” “It’s not a crime to act against genocide,” and “Starmer has blood on his hands – Free Palestine.”

PSC Director Ben Jamal said the protest continued despite the ceasefire because “the plan that has been laid out by [US President] Donald Trump is not a plan for enduring peace.”

He added that the US-backed proposal fails to address “the root causes of violence,” the “system of apartheid” in Palestine, or the Palestinian “right to self-determination.”

“Our campaigning and protesting will not end until the Palestinian people are finally free,” he further said.

A counter-protest was held nearby at Aldwych and the Strand. Police implemented restrictions under the Public Order Act to prevent potential clashes and “serious disruption,” defining designated gathering points and a specific march route.

UK students hold pro-Palestine rallies on 2nd anniversary of Gaza war

University students across Britain have gathered to participate in pro-Palestine demonstrations on the second anniversary of the historic Operation al-Aqsa Flood.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had earlier urged the cancellation of pro-Palestine rallies. 

During a trade mission to India, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the government was reviewing protest laws, including slogans and chants used at demonstrations.

“I’ve asked the home secretary to look more broadly at what other powers are available,” Starmer said. “We need to go further in relation to some of the chants that are going on at these protests.”

At the same time, Palestine Action held a separate protest in Trafalgar Square, marking two years since the start of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has left tens of thousands dead.

“For two years we have seen Israel commit a no-holds-barred genocide with the political and military support of successive UK governments,” Jamal said. “This is a movement supported by millions of people in this country and around the world who want freedom and justice for Palestine.”

The US-brokered ceasefire took effect at noon on Friday, marking the first phase of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military confirmed it had pulled back to designated positions as part of the deal.

By midday, tanks had withdrawn from Gaza’s coastal al-Rashid Street, opening the way for displaced families to return to Gaza City.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians began making their way back to their homes in the north of the enclave as Israeli forces retreated from several coastal areas.

Hamas, however, has warned of the possibility that Israel might violate the terms of the agreement, recalling Tel Aviv’s previous breaches of similar ceasefire arrangements in 2023 and earlier this year.

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